“I’m not asking you to be a …..well you know what I mean.” Orpha sighed, “I wish we still kept ALL the old ways, you are the chieftains daughter, the seeress and healer of the clan. You should have a harem, a bedroom full of young, beautiful men to ensure the strength of the bloodline. What do you have now? Hmmm? A torn heart and a bed full of angst.” Orpha shook her head “It isn’t right Kitty, I know you, I know how much love you have in your heart. I know you can easily find it in yourself to love them all, if only they would learn to share, but men in general do seem to have issues with that. Although I think Sirius and Remus may manage….”

“Stop right there, oh eldest of the crones.” Cat interrupted “Don’t even go giving me ideas like that, I have enough trouble with that on my own, I don’t need you encouraging me. Besides, I thought Tris and Remus were getting…..close.”

Orpha smiled slyly “So, you saw that as well did you?”

“Hey, I’m not a crone, but I’m not blind either” Cat teased, winking as Orpha laughed and nodded. They both paused as they heard the thunderous sound of children’s feet coming down the steps. “Well, guess they’ve finally woken.”

“Indeed” Orpha replied, raising an eyebrow at the sheer magnitude of the noise “and they seemed to have brought a small herd of bovas along with them.” the two women sat down their mugs and went to join the others in the family room. Orpha felt a deep sense of joy as she surveyed her family, even after all these millennia, they were still strong, still proud, and still growing. “So Kitty, enjoying the holidays more as a mother?”

“Oh yes,” Cat replied, her eyes soft with pride and happiness as she saw Harry matching his cousins step for step as they ran and leapt to get to their respective parents. She gasped in surprise as she felt a pair of arms encircle her waist, only to look up and smile when she saw Sirius’s face beaming down at her. “Speaking of being a parent” she said to Orpha, winking mischievously as Sirius’s eyes darted between the two of them.

“Am I in trouble already?” he asked “I’ve only just woken up, honest. I haven’t had time to do anything yet.” he remarked, squeezing Cat tightly as she started to giggle.

“Its that ‘yet’ part that has me worried Siri.” Cat commented, she was going to say more, but Harry had appeared at their side, and judging by the smile on his face he was more than ready to open his presents today. “Hello sweetie, sleep well?” she asked, stepping back to give Sirius room to hug Harry.

Like a rock” Harry replied, “it took Sara and Clara to wake me up this morning.” he added rolling his eyes as Cat laughed softly. He grinned happily as Cat reached out to hug him and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. “Well Harry, feel free to get to it.” Cat encouraged “Or else a few of your cousins may be helping you.”

“They wouldn’t?” Harry replied, turning around quickly to see many of his cousins tearing at the wrappings of their presents, “Well as long as they don’t open the ones from you and da.” Harry stated as he hurried off to join his cousins.

Cat smiled and leaned into Sirius, expecting to feel his arms around her, but instead, all she heard was a soft “oh no”. Turing to look at Sirius, Cat saw a look of pure horror on his face “Siri, what is it? What’s wrong?”

Sirius shook his head, “Harry’s present, in all the excitement I forgot to bring it. What am I going to tell him? I’m such an idiot.” he sighed

“Hush” Cat said as she kissed his cheek, “I signed both of our names to the presents. So don’t worry Mr. Forgetful, I already took care of it” she said knowingly as he turned to look at her with surprise. “Quidditch accessories galore... I bought more than enough for several holidays and birthdays” she sighed as she rolled her eyes at her own silliness “I guess I got a little carried away.”

Sirius smiled at her gratefully as he picked up her hand and held it against his cheek, kissing her palm. “You get carried away?” He smirked “Not unless its by me” he added, slipping his arm around her waist as she leaned into him. Sirius smiled as he saw Harry look up and watch them, a wide grin on his godson’s face. “I know what else we could give Harry as a Christmas present” Sirius whispered into Cat’s ear.

Cat twisted in Sirius’s arms so she could see his face, “And what would that be? I’ve been asking him if he wanted anything in particular, but he just gives me a strange look……or is this one of those ‘guy’ things?”

Sirius shook his head, “No, not a guy thing” he told her softly, “Harry and I talk a lot, and as it turns out, he and I have been wishing for the same thing, the same ‘gift’ if you will.”

“And?” Cat said, waiting for the punch line.

Sirius looked away from her for a moment as he licked his lips nervously, but one glance from Orpha gave him all the courage he needed. “A family Catrianna, not just clan, but a genuine, old-fashion family. You, me, Harry…maybe a little one in a year or so.” he said softly, becoming more and more nervous as Cat blushed several shades of pink…….

Harry couldn’t believe his eyes, he had never had so many gifts in his life, it was as if all his birthdays and every Christmas he had ever know had been added together and sat in front of him at once, with all the added interest. He grinned happily as he saw several presents from both Cat and Sirius, tearing several open, he found the latest Quidditch Play book,

turning to thank them, Harry’s heart almost stopped when he saw them. Sirius had his arms wrapped around Cat as she stared into his eyes, she was blushing and biting her lower lip. ‘Finally’ Harry thought ‘he’s finally telling her, she’s going to stay with him, she has to, look at them.’

Harry was snapped out of his thoughts by his cousins crowding around him, trying to figure out what some of his presents were. It was obvious by their responses that they knew nothing about Quidditch. Just as he was about to explain the wonders of the best sport in the known world, Harry felt a tap on his shoulder. It was his Uncle Luke, reminding him there were still presents to open. “Hurry up Harry, I’m starving” he whispered as he gave his nephew a playful wink.

Grinning from ear to ear, Harry continued opening presents as some of his cousins studied and admired his gifts. He heard a few of his female cousins remark on how good he would look when he actually put on the kilt he received, although to be honest, he had no idea how to wear it, and all the pleats confused him even more. Setting it carefully back into the box, Harry moved to the next present, it was a small box with a letter attached to it.

Opening the letter first, Harry felt his hands tremble as he read it.:

My dearest grandson,

I wish I could be with you to share your first holiday amongst the clan, and celebrate your return to your mother and rightful home. Know that you and Kitty are always in my thoughts, even in these darkest of days. It took me many weeks to decide what to give you, but as I was sitting in my rooms pondering several things, I saw this. I once gave it to your mother when she and Kitty were at school together. She was wearing it when she was returned to us, I now give it to you. Lily often told me how useful she found it when she and her James would venture out. When worn, it enables the wearer to see in almost complete darkness. I pray that you use it as well as you mother did.

With all my love,

Grandda.

Harry tried to still his hands as he carefully removed the plain brown paper from the small box. Inside he found a simple knot work pin crafted of silver, nestled on a deep green silk cloth. He closed his eyes as he imagined his mother wearing it, feeing both a new closeness to her as well as a deep sadness. Everyone kept telling him how much alike Cat and Lily were, and he could never imagine losing Cat, his life would just seem too empty without her. Looking over to Cat and Sirius again, he noticed they were standing further apart then they had been, but Cat still seemed to be blushing. He held his breath when he saw Sirius reach out and take her hand. He was half afraid she might pull away……..

Cat felt Sirius’s warm hand close over hers, but she still couldn’t look at him. That last comment about giving Harry a family sounded a bit too much like a marriage proposal to her. In fact, she could still feel the heat pouring from her cheeks every time she replayed the moment in her mind. Trying to concentrate on anything but Sirius, she looked at her son, smiling tenderly when she saw what her father had finally decided to give him. It had been Lily’s favourite, gun ainm ceangal sealladh, the nameless knot of sight.

A bittersweet smile crossed Cat’s face as she remembered the nights Lily and James would sneak out under his cloak, not even needing to risk wand or candle light while Lily wore her pin. All that mischief, all those adventures….and now, what was left of the adventurers? Only Remus, Sirius and herself remained, it just wasn’t fair…..

Harry placed the package of books to the side, he could tell from the look on Aunt Orpha’s face, she herself intended to teach him how to read Gaelic, Elven, Fae and anything else she decided he needed to learn. And judging from what he had seen so far, she was used to getting her way. Just as Harry reached for the last few presents, Starry, Callista’s new puppy ran over and started barking madly at one. “What’s wrong girl? Is there something alive in there?” Harry asked, teasing the puppy as he picked her up and cradled her in his arms.

Starry however had different ideas, she immediately squirmed out of Harry’s arms and went straight to the oddly shaped package, growling and pouncing at it. Everyone laughed as the puppy finally got up her courage and grabbed a hold of the present, dragging the heavy package towards Harry. Reaching down, Harry picked up the package and was surprised by its heft, hearing his uncles Duncan and Luke trading barbs with each other, he turned to look at them.

“I knew I should never have let Duncan wrap it” Luke sighed, giving Harry and apologetic look. “Knowing him he probably had steak on his hands or something. Your should see this guy eat.”

Duncan leaned against Luke, resting his arm on Luke’s shoulder to remind him who was the bigger, if not the older brother. “Hey, can I help it if I have a healthy appetite? Besides, the puppy doesn’t seem to mind.” he added grinning happily. “So nephew, are you going to open it, or frame it?” he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Harry stared at Luke and Duncan for a few moments, watching as they tried to keep straight faces before he tore at the paper, anxious to see what the two of them could have gotten him. “Oh WOW” Harry gasped as his hand wrapped around the cool metal handle of the sword. “Is this really mine?” Harry asked, looking back and forth between his uncles and his mum.

“Yes, Harry” Luke replied, “you need something to learn with. This one seems to suit you, and your over protective mother over there agreed to the choice.” he added, sticking his tongue out at Cat as he spoke.

“Enough of that” Cat warned as she went to Harry’s side. “Ok sweetie, there are two more left,” she explained, pulling a letter out of her dress and handing it to him, as Orpha and a small fire fae walked towards him. “The letter is from Mac Lir, and this” she said, motioning to the package the fire fae, Rolali, carried “is from King Organon”

“King Organon?” Harry repeated, his eyes wide, “Why would a king give me anything?”

Rolali’s tinkling laughter tickled Harry’s ears as the fae shook her head. “It’s a token of his respect to the clan. A gift is always given to the first child of the Bean Uasal de MacLeod, a gift of power and responsibility, it would be unseemly to not present one to you at this time.”

“Bean uasal, huh?” Harry replied, feeling self-conscious and very confused.

“It’s a formal term for my position Harry, nothing more” Cat explained as she placed a reassuring hand around his shoulders. “And this is Rolali, high lady of the fire fae, she has been sent by King Organon himself as a token of the respect he holds for our clan.” Cat added, bowing politely to the fae and motioning Harry to do the same. Rolali returned their bow and head out the gift for Harry to take.

It was a silver torque, artfully engraved with swirls and stylised animals around the length of it, while each end was capped with a raw gemstone which glowed eerily as Harry touched it. “It will allow you to communicate with certain animals” Rolali explained. “The animals that are engraved on the torque are the ones which will respond to your thoughts, and you to theirs.”

After Harry had thanked her and sent his regards to King Organon, Cat escorted Rolali to Orpha’s side, leaving Harry time alone to read the letter from Mac Lir.

Nephew, I look forward to seeing you again, and possibly to a rematch. Your gifts await you in Armagh, and my children are waiting impatiently for you to visit us. Please try to make sure your mother remembers not to be late. Although to be honest, both the Sidhe and the De Dannan are notorious for our complete disregard of time in general. Continue to make your clan proud. “We’re going to see Mac Lir?” Harry gasped breathlessly, not sure if he should be excited or afraid…….

Sirius kissed Siobhan as he thanked her for the beautiful scarf and coat, one look at her spoke of how concerned she was about him. It was the worry that shone in her eyes every time he coughed or shivered. It made him smile to think someone who had just met him could be so kind, so caring, so much like family. Speaking of which, Sirius turned to look for Cat and Harry, only to see Cat approaching him, gifts in hand.

He had been afraid he had pushed her too far when he suggested giving Harry a family to go with the clan, but she appeared to have put that aside. At least it certainly seemed that way, judging by the light in her eyes and the soft, welcoming smile that played upon her lips. He felt his own lips curl into a broad smile as she grew near to him. “Cat? Are we alright?” he asked softly “I didn’t mean to push anything, but I want you to know I meant every word of it.”

Cat shook her head and grinned “No you didn’t.” she responded. Then, seeing him about to argue the point, quickly added “If you were serious about it, you would be asking my father, not me. You know the rules of this clan.”

Sirius bowed his head, causing his hair to cascade over his face and sighed deeply “Good point, where is Magnus. I have a question or two for him.” He looked up, peering at her through a shock of his hair and grinning sheepishly as Cat rolled her eyes.

Shoving the packages towards him, Cat feigned anger, but couldn‘t keep the playful smile from her face. “Here you brat. I hope you like them” Cat said, her voice becoming suddenly soft as she saw the look in Sirius’s eyes. “I wasn’t really sure what to get you.”

“It’s from you, I’ll love it” Sirius replied, kissing her cheek as he took her hand and walked to a couch. Sirius felt a warm glow coming from deep inside himself, she had thought about him, had been thinking about him. He remembered seeing the same wrapping paper on the gifts she had bought for Hermione and Ginny. She had bought this over a week ago, before the ball, before she ran off with Snape. Stealing a quick glimpse at Cat, he saw the nervous flicker in her eye as he unwrapped the gift.

Lifting the lid from the box, Sirius gasped when he saw the new robes nestled inside. One was a deep red, made of velvet and trimmed with yellow accents “Gryffindor” he whispered as Cat nodded. The next was a simple tan robe, made for daily wearing, and the last one he could tell was Cat’s favourite. “Blue, you always wanted me to wear blue” he said softly as he ran his fingers over the soft material. He could tell immediately that these had been made in her world, not the wizarding one.

“It brings out your eyes” Cat replied quietly as she placed her hand on his. “Do you like them? If you don’t I can exchange them…”

Sirius shook his head as he grabbed the hand she had placed on his, pulling her towards him and kissing her cheek again. Only this time he didn’t let go, and she didn’t pull away, they simply remained there, cheeks pressed against each other as Sirius whispered his thanks to her.

“Well, not to disturb this touching moment.” Remus said as he cleared his throat. “But you’re attracting quite an audience. Besides, you haven’t opened my gift either.” he added, placing a small pouch in Sirius’s lap and smiling expectantly.

“Moony?”

“What? Did you think I would forget my best friend?” Remus replied, smiling widely at the look of surprise on Sirius’s face “Go on, open it.”

Sirius nodded as he opened the pouch and pulled out a gold pocket watch, but before he could thank Remus, his friend told him to open it. He fumbled with the watch for a moment before finding the catch and opening the double faced watch. On the front face side was a picture of Harry escorting Cat to the Yule ball, dressed in their matching attire. On the back face was another snapshot, another one of Harry and Cat, cuddled up and sleeping peacefully. Sirius stood up and hugged Remus fiercely as tears sprung to both of their eyes. “Thank you Moony, I’ll treasure it forever.”

Sniffling slightly, Remus returned his friends hug and admitted “I was almost afraid to give this to you after the last few days. I wanted you to have it so you wouldn’t forget how much you have to live for. They love you Padfoot, we all do.”

Sirius took a step back, releasing Remus from his embrace as he wiped away a few stray tears. “I know, it’s the only thing that’s gotten me through all the pain.” he whispered, “But I can’t believe you remembered to bring this in all the chaos. I forgot everything at the school. Were you carrying it around in your pocket the whole time?”

“No, I popped back last night. Meg had to take a bird to Cash, so I tagged along so I could pick up a few things.” Remus explained. “Besides, Meg needed a few extra hands to help her with all those packages, you know, Gangrels need presents too.” he winked.

“I wish someone would have told me” Sirius sighed, “I left all my presents under the cot in my room. When did I fall out of the loop?” he muttered as Remus laughed …….

Hermione smiled at her parents as she opened her presents. Of course she had gotten the books she had asked for, along with several new dresses and accessories. She had thought she was done when her mother pointed out a small box left under the tree. “I think you missed one dear.” she said as she picked up the box and handed it to Hermione “My, that’s interesting wrapping paper. It must be from one of your friends at school.”

“I don’t think so, Harry, Ron and I exchanged gifts before we left.” Hermione remarked as she studied the strange paper. It seemed to flow and shift on its own accord, as if it were more liquid than solid. Shrugging her shoulders, Hermione neatly removed the wrappings and opened the box, only to be dazzled at what was inside. Removing the two small cards, she placed the box on her lap and read them aloud. “Dear Hermione, I hope you don’t mind me giving you a present, I realize I don’t know you very well, but Harry thinks highly of you and when I saw this, I immediately thought of you and Ginny. Merry Christmas, Cat.” a smile spread across Hermione’s face as she read Cat’s words.

Placing Cat’s card aside, she quickly read the other card, “Peace Planet. Crafted from the finest materials in sa’ mheadhon, meticulously molded by Elven smiths and charmed by the mystic coven of truacantas. This bauble is far more than it may seem. When worn against the skin and warmed, it will bring the Peace Planet to life, causing it to glow with an iridescent sheen and a soft ‘humming’ or ‘singing’ may be heard. It is said, that if enough beings manage to have their planets humming at once, peace will truly return to all three worlds of the Earthly plane.”

Picking up the necklace, Hermione studied it, amazed by its details and amused by its supposed powers…………